More space to chill this year at Zoombezi Bay

Seventeen slides await visitors who seek thrills

New amenities greeted Zoombezi Bay's guests when the water park opened its gates for the season earlier this month.

The park, 4850 W. Powell Road, opened May 18 with extra shaded cabanas, additional space for sunbathers and other new perks for season-pass holders.

Workers installed two new cabanas -- private tents that can be rented by visitors -- this year, bringing the park's total to 17. All existing cabanas received upgrades, including overhead fans, stocked refrigerators and safes.

To combat overcrowding, the park opened up extra space for tanners in a large grassy portion of the park and added extra reclining chairs.

"On a real busy day, when we have over 8,000 people in the park, there's limited space to lay out," said John Gannon, the park's senior vice president. "This should make it a little more comfortable for folks."

Season-pass holders can enjoy a new cooler-storage space near the entrance, making it easier to pack a lunch for the family.

Also new this year, guests can enjoy special themed days featuring discounts and entertainment Monday through Thursday starting June 10.

On Monday, students can receive $10 off a day pass with a student ID or grade card; on Tuesday, season-pass holders get discounts on food, drinks and gift-shop items; on Wednesday, visitors can get discounts with proof they passed swim lessons, CPR training or other swim safety tests; and on Thursday, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, including zoo animals and costumed characters.

Zoom Passes return this year, allowing guests who pay a premium to skip the long lines of people waiting for their chance on one of the park's 17 slides.

A Zoom Pass includes a waterproof bracelet with a digital display that notifies guests when it's their turn to ride the slide, even if they are on the other side of the park.

The passes cost $10 for season-pass holders, $15 for other guests. This year, new premium passes also are available for $5 extra to reduce wait times even more.

Dive-In Movies are set to return this year, with five dates planned from mid-July to mid-August.

Guests are invited to lounge in a raft at the wave pool and watch a film projected onto a floating screen. Features include The Lorax, The Goonies and a screening of Jurassic Park to round out the summer.

Season passes are $79.99 each. Gold passes are $109.99 and include free rides at Jungle Jack's Landing.

Regular admission is $32.99 for adults, $24.99 for children. Children younger than age 2 get in free.